Patrick Reynolds, founder and executive director of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free America, will speak on the East Central University campus on Thursday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m.

The event, which is hosted by the STOP Coalition (Stomp Tobacco Outta Pontotoc County) in conjunction with the ECU-Brandon Whitten Institute, will be held at the Estep Multimedia Center, located in the Bill S. Cole University Center.

Reynolds, the grandson of tobacco titan R.J. Reynolds, has been an acclaimed speaker who motivates, inspires, entertains and educates youth toward a smoke-free society.

Inspiring business leaders of tomorrow was the goal of Oklahoma Business Week and the foundation was established at the first-ever event on the East Central University campus, July 8-13.

High School seniors, juniors and sophomores converged on the ECU campus to gain a firsthand experience in the world of business. Students got a chance to interact and learn from community business leaders as well as gain skills in leadership, communication, team-building, responsibility, money management, entrepreneurship, marketing and more.

East Central University’s Upward Bound program has received a five-year grant renewal to partner with 12 area high schools in helping low-income individuals and potential first-generation college students pursue and obtain a higher-education degree.

Two East Central University alumni reunions are scheduled this month. The first is set for Oklahoma City on Saturday, Aug. 11, and the second will be held in Ada, Friday, Aug. 17.

The ECU Oklahoma City Area Alumni Reunion will be held in the Remington Suite of Remington Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Transportation will be provided from ECU to Oklahoma City for alums wanting to attend the event during the opening weekend of thoroughbred horse racing.

East Central University’s Cami Correa is one of five recipients of the 2012 Great American Conference Degree Completion Award, it was announced on Friday by the league office in Russellville, Ark.

Correa, who just completed her two-year softball playing career with the Lady Tigers, will receive a $1,500 award from the GAC. There were 12 applicants and Correa was one of the five selected by virtue of her academic and athletic standings as well as financial needs for the upcoming year.

East Central University's mission is to foster a learning environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community
interact to educate students for life in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. Within its service area,
East Central University provides leadership for economic development and cultural enhancement.